Hi,
Not only do I have erectile dysfunction after surgeries but now it seems the urge for sex has left. I just don't feel the heat or want to have sex. I've always been a big sex guy and masturbator when no girlfriend. But now it is a rare day when I have the urge to satisfy myself.

At least before when it was only dysfunction, Levitra and Cialis worked but i don't know how to get the feeling back of wanting sex. Its hurting relationship big time.
Are there any treatments available, like testostrone injections perhaps?
Eric

Eric,

I am sorry to hear this. I am also someone who is, to use your words, a "big sex guy." I started having some issues with ED when I hit my early 40s, mostly involving losing my erection during sex, which never happened previously. In addition, I went from being able to achieve multiple orgasms to being "one and done" in any one interlude. I am currently in the worst shape I have ever been in in my life, which does not help, but one thing I have never lost is my desire. If I see a woman I am attracted to, I still want sex. I wonder if in your case it might not be more psychological than physical, as far as perceived loss of desire? Maybe you should have a consult with a urologist and go from there. They can do some tests on sperm count etc. and see if everything is as it should be. If everything checks out OK, maybe you want to take a look at the psychological side of it.

I would talk to a doctor before doing anything like taking testosterone injections. I think they have a test that the urologist does that will test the testosterone level. Maybe you should see if there is a problem before trying to fix it.

Good luck.

In the same boat word for word.Going on 5 years now .Thank God for my rock,my wife who is in it thru thick and thin.Also thank God I had my 4 kids before all this BS started.

I've had the j-pouch since 2004.Ihave the same problem.I had a testoserone test and it came back normal.Things aren't as reliable as they used to be.I'm 45 so at first I just thought my age had something to do with it,But the lack of desire definately bothers me.I have tried cialis but the side effects aren't worth it.

It is scary to contemplate the possibility of sexual dysfunction amid all the other changes I am trying to prepare myself and my wife to expect - surgery (maybe two?) and recovery, ongoing dietary and toilet-habit changes, ongoing surveilance of whatever isn't surgically removed, etc!

I will have a consultation with a surgeon on May 8, as my GI specialist is curently recommending proctocolectomy with J-Pouch, but my wife and I will review the options that day.

I have read many posts here about people experiencing sexual dysfunction, but I do not have a sense of the likelihood of this being a persistent additional complication. I guess part of me is hoping (I'm sorry to express this here) the the people who are motivated to write in and seek support around such issues may be a small minority of all the adults who have this surgery.

Do any of you here have a good sense of the frequency with which folks who undergo colectomy surgery do experience sexual dysfunction? This is certainly a question we intend to address during the surgical consultation.

have to admit, while I have been proud of myself for the acceptance and adjustments I have been making for myself in anticipation of the surgery/recovery around toileting, diet and follow-up surveillance procedures, this additional dimension of sexual dysfunction is a really challenging one for me to contemplate right now.

~~ Frank in NC ~~

Frank,
I can only provide input on those items that I have experienced since my decision to have the surgery. I had many of the same concerns that you have today, but I do not regret the decision at all. I had step 1 on 10-2-2006 and takedown on 11-16-2006, in Chappel Hill. I have had no sexual problems and I am eating the same foods as before surgery with no complications. I have approx 4-5 BM's a day and rarely get up during the night. I work full time and now enjoy travelling, excercise and golf at any time.
Good luck on your decision, just wanted to give you another perspective.

Thank you, DC in NC.

I expect my surgery will be at UNC in Chepel Hill as well. I am to see Dr. Mark Koruda MD as the surgeon we consult with in early May. By any coincidence did Dr. Koruda do your surgery?

~~ Frank in NC ~~

Yes he did. He is the best as well as his team. You are in great hands. He has done hundreds of these surgeries. My experience with Dr. Koruda and his surgical team, including Amanda, was top notch.
Good Luck

Frank,

The incidence of ED or other sexual dysfunction is typically quoted at about 3%. My surgeon said 15%. And that raises the question in my mind as to what those surveys really showed: permanent dysfunction, post-surgical problems (that may or may not resolve), etc. I would guess the lower # relates to permanent dysfunction while the upper relates to problems that resolve with time or meds (i.e. Viagra).

Something not discussed here with respect to problems is medication. I believe medication can definitely affect our bodies and sex drive. Meds that suppres the nervous system will undoubtedly have an effect on things - if not in the mental aspect, in the ability to achieve the sensations you hope for.

After step 3 of my j-pouch surgery, I actually found that things were more responsive than before. I'm not the only one I've seen mention that. However, since then, desire has waned quite a bit. I don't really think it's anything from my surgery but can't nail it down because there are so many possibilities:

1. Age (just turned 40 this year)
2. Birth of second child (less sleep, less desire from both my wife and I who find we often like sleeping more than sex )
3. The subsequent lack of attention (mentally) to sex - which, outside of nerve damage, plays the biggest part in the whole equation
4. Birth control - can throw you off your game in the middle of things if you have to take the time to "suit up"
5. Meds - I periodically take a percocet in the evening to deal with anal pain and days of increased frequency. I know this sometimes has an effect on things

Anyway, there is documented evidence that a % of men will come away from surgery with sexual dysfunction and you should plan accordingly (bank sperm if you want to have kids and don't; you can always have sperm extracted instead of stored, but... ouch! ). Find a surgeon who has a low incidence of sexual side effects, and who cares about it. My surgeon mentioned several times they try to be very careful around those nerves but there is no guarantee. I was certainly glad to know she was so mindful about it.

Steve

Steve,
Great advice regarding the surgeon's attentiveness. Will definitely explore that during consultation - thanks.
I'm 51, my wife and I already have the kids we want, and I got a vasectomy many years ago.
We enjoy sex very much and hope not to suffer loss in that area. It helps to understand what aspects we might be able to influence, and what aspects maybe not.
~~ Frank ~~

It must be difficult in your part. Sorry that you to go through all this. In my case I take 100% natural male enhancement product. Works for me mate!